Freeze Watch Issued for Loudoun County

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch in effect from 3 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

With the possibility of temperatures dipping into the low 30’s and possibly even the upper 20’s tonight, local vineyards and farms are quickly preparing for the worst.

Great Country Farms in Bluemont is preparing for the blast of cold air by covering the strawberries and “hoping for the best”, according to Kate Zurschmeide, owner of Great Country Farms.

"We are a little worried," Zurschmeide said. "There is not a lot we can do for the orchards, but we are hoping the breeze will keep the air moving so the cold air will not settle.”

Doug Fabbioli, at Fabbioli Cellars in Leesburg, spent his Monday preparing each field for the cold. Fabbioli said he “is concerned” adding that they have “put a spray of amino acids and salt-based fertilizer on the vines hoping that it should give them some protection”.

Fabbioli added that most of the white grapes are already open. Cold air could effect their use, he said. 

Winemaker and General Manager Jordan Harris said, “We are concerned, but there is not a lot we can do. Fortunately we are not facing a huge portion of our vines that have budded yet."

According to Harris, for the vines to freeze, the temperature would have to get down to about 27 or 28 degrees for a prolonged period of time. With the wind gusts it keeps the air moving and it would make it less likely to hurt the buds.

“They will probably be ok," he said.